Waymo Broadens Robotaxi Trials to Denver and Seattle
Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle unit, Waymo, announced on September 2, 2025, that it will commence testing its robotaxis in Denver and Seattle this week. This marks a significant expansion of its U.S. operations into weather-challenging markets.
Testing Details
Waymo plans to deploy up to 12 vehicles in each city, which includes electric Jaguar I-PACE SUVs and new Geely Zeekr vans. Initially, all rides will feature human safety drivers behind the wheel. This is to validate the company’s technology for future fully autonomous services.
Strategic Expansion
The move into Denver and Seattle represents Waymo’s strategy to test its self-driving technology in more challenging weather conditions. These include snow, rain, and rapidly changing visibility. The company already operates commercial robotaxi services in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta.
Future Plans
Waymo has announced plans to launch commercial robotaxi services in Dallas, Miami, and Washington D.C. next year. The company recently obtained permits to test in New York City. Since its inception, the company has logged over 8 million autonomous miles and facilitated more than 10 million robotaxi trips.
The expansion comes as competition intensifies. Tesla is testing robotaxis in Austin and San Francisco, while China’s Baidu-owned Apollo Go is dominating Asian markets.
Source: CNBC